Darlene R. Martin, 86, of Miles City died Wednesday night, February 10, 2010, only weeks after being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.
She was born in Radcliffe, Iowa on September 4, 1923, the second of four children born to Maurice and Ellen Clark Klatt.While working in Marshalltown, Iowa, she met her husband, Arthur B. Martin, at a USO dance. They were married April 13, 1944, in Amarillo, Texas, and would have celebrated their 66th anniversary this spring. Although Mothers plan was to go into the nursing profession, the Second World War created a shortage of teachers and she instead earned her teaching certificate and taught in Iowa and Montana rural schools. As a natural outlet of her nursing interest, she became a registered Swedish massage and reflexology therapist benefiting many people. As a young couple they lived on the family farm in Carlyle, Montana, both teaching.
They moved to Baker when Dad joined the law practice of Denzil Young, Sr. In 1965 they moved the family to Miles City when Dad was appointed to a judgeship in the 16th Judicial District. They also enjoyed living at their retirement condo during the winter months in Mesa, Arizona. Since Dads stroke in 2006, Mom was his devoted caregiver which enabled him to continue living in the family home. Looking in the dictionary under homemaker it would not be surprising for the definition to read See Darlene Martin. There was no doubt about Moms priorities. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family and their needs always came first, to the very end. Blessed with a sense of humor,
Mom was always ready for some fun and enjoyed practical jokes. She was very interested in sports, politics and the stock market. Mom always enjoyed and was very active in her church family. Mom and Dad opened their home to college students and family members of hospitalized Veterans who needed a place to stay. She was a very special lady who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.Mom was a member of the Presbyterian Church, PEO, Eastern Star, National Republican Party, Baker Homemakers Club, and numerous bridge clubs.Together Dad and Mom raised five children: Joan (Darrell) Johnson of Baker; Susan Hartman of Spokane; David (Shirley) Martin of Sterling, Colorado; Julie (Bob) Lake of Missoula; and Steven Martin of Miles City. They are blessed with 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Mom was preceded in death by her infant son James, her parents and a sister.
A celebration of Darlenes life will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. atthe First Presbyterian Church, Miles City, Montana.
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